Blenkinsopp Castle was originally a 13th century medieval fortified manor house, founded by Randolph de Blencansopp. In 1349, Thomas de Blencansopp founded the stone castle, when he was granted licences to crenellate. Built within the outer ditch to his fortilicium, was a large L-plan tower house, with vaulted basements and a walled barmkin. In the late 19th century, the castle was incorporated in a Victorian Gothic mansion, founded by Lord Joicey of Etal but sadly it was destroyed by a great fire in 1954. A mile north is Thirlwall Castle.